₦airaland Forum

ASUU Calabar zone condemns online publication on court ruling on 10 Unical lecturers


The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concern over publications that does not reflect the full context of any due process on court ruling between them and 10 Unical lecturers in Calabar, Cross River state.

It has become important to inform the public properly on the status of the suit between Dr John Inaku, Dr. Ebim Abua, Dr. Igba Ushi, Dr. Ubi Omini, Dr. Sylvanus Agim, Dr. Ekpe Edemekong, Okon Nsikhe, Francis Ejeje, Kingsley Okoi and Suleiman Lawal as Complainants and ASUU as one of the Defendants.

The suit with number NICN/CA/44/2025 is before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Calabar Judicial Division.

The Complainants approached the Court with a motion requesting for an interlocutory injunction restraining ASUU from “harassing, intimidating, threatening, suspending or interfering with the rights, privileges and entitlement of the Claimants until the determination of the substantive case”.

They also sought for an order restraining ASUU from giving effect to the suspension of the Branch and to stop further payment and remittance of outstanding check-off dues or other dues pending the hearing and determination of the substantive case.

The earlier information, released without proper verification is a huge risk capable of distorting the public discourse and undermining the integrity of a delicate and ongoing process that is critical to the future of the Union and her Branches.

The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Calabar Zone, Comrade Ikechuku Igwenyi made this known when addressing the press in Abakaliki over the Ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Calabar on Dec. 2, over this application for an interim injunction by some members of ASUU in University of Calabar.

Igwenyi expressed worry over unverified publications regarding the imbroglio between members of ASUU in University of Calabar, in a suit instituted by concerned lecturers from the University involving Dr. John Inaku and 9 others.

The ASUU Coordinator condemned the online publication of Newsdiary for misinforming the public, stating that “Court Rules in Remittance of Unical’s Check-off Dues to ASUU” whereas the ruling was slated for Dec.2.

According to him, the ruling was selected on an interlocutory injunction restraining the Union from exercising its constitutional powers over the suspension of ASUU Unical Branch due to failure to fulfil their constitutional right to the Union and to follow due process in initiating proper disciplinary measures against defaulting members in the Branch.

The Counsel to ASUU, Bar. Christian C. Chukwu and his colleague, Bar. Celestine O. Onwe, said they were in Court for the delivery of ruling on the motion for interlocutory injunction filed at the NICN, Calabar, by concerned members of ASUU in Unical.

"The motion was for restraining the Unical Branch from remitting the Statutory check-off dues to the national body of ASUU, pending the determination of the substantive suit," they said.

They also prayed the court for an order preventing ASUU National from giving effect to the suspension of the Branch (a concluded action) as well as an order restraining ASUU from demanding further payment and remitting check-off dues to National until the substantive suit is determined.

In opposition to the motion, counsel to ASUU filed a counter affidavit and other accompanying processes.

“The court ruled in favour of ASUU that the motion was not meritorious, dismissed the motion and the Court adjourned for hearing. In the wisdom of the Court, accelerated hearing was granted because the same issues pleaded in the Motion for interlocutory injunction where the same issues pleaded in the substantive suit.

Igwenyi noted that It was important to inform public that Oct. 22 was the day both parties argued the motion, not for ruling.


"The premature release of selective or incomplete information can create unnecessary tension in the system," he said.

He Reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and stressed that responsible communication is essential.

"The hallmark of struggle is securing the confidence of the system and the best possible outcome for our members.

"Premature or selective publication of preemptive and inconclusive process can distort public understanding, weaken our bargaining position, and ultimately create confusion,” said Igwenyi.


He assured that ASUU will always speak openly to the Nigerian public but official updates must come through the Union’s leadership, not through unauthorized channels that may misrepresent the facts or derail ongoing efforts to stabilize the Branches.

"The Union urged the public, stakeholders, and media professionals to exercise restraint and avoid amplifying unverified information to avoid quoting Court proceedings wrongly," the Coordinator added.

2025 Press Week: Igbo-Etiti council Boss receives overall best chairman award of Enugu NUJ


The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu state, Dr Eric Odo, has received the overall best chairman of the year award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Enugu council.

Odo received the award on Thursday in Enugu during the 2025 Press Week of the NUJ in the state held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Enugu.

The award was presented to him by the NUJ State Chairman, Mr Obinna Ogbuka.

Speaking after receiving the award: “Champion of impactful development award” Odo applauded the NUJ Council for identifying his numerous projects in the last one year in office.

The council boss reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to sustainable development in the area.

He described the award as a call to deepen his administration’s efforts in infrastructure renewal, social services, economic empowerment, and community peacebuilding.

The council boss noted that the recognition was not just a personal one but a testament to the collective dedication of his team and the cooperation of the people of Igbo-Etiti.

According to him, his administration remains focused on delivering quality projects that have direct impact on the people of the council area.

“This award is a reminder that the work we are doing in Igbo-Etiti is visible, appreciated, and impactful.

“But more importantly, it challenges us to do even more for our people.

“I want to assure the people of Igbo-Etiti that this recognition will not make us relax but strengthens my resolve to continue delivering credible, measurable and inclusive development across every community.

“We are committed to sustaining our investments in water, education, health social welfare rural infrastructure and rural road interventions across various communities.

“These are the foundations of human development, and we will not relent until every community feels the full impact,” he hinted

Odo said the recognition by the NUJ reinforces his resolve to pursue even more people-centred projects and consolidate the positive transformation already taking shape in Igbo-Etiti.

“I deeply appreciate the Nigeria Union of Journalists for finding me worthy of this honour.

“It is a motivation for service, and I dedicate it to the hardworking people of Igbo-Etiti whose support has made our progress possible,” the council boss stressed.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki has arraigned and remanded one Chinagwo Paul Nweke over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation of the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Chinedu Ogah.



According to Charge Sheet No. MAB/616C/2025, the defendant is accused of committing offences punishable under Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State (2009), and Sections 24(2)(a) and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015 (as amended).



The charge sheet alleged that Nweke and others still at large, “sometime in October at Abakaliki, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst themselves to commit a felony, to wit: 516A(a) of the Criminal Code.”



It further alleged that the defendant “transmitted a live broadcast via the Facebook account of Amarachi Nweke, placing Comrade Chinedu Ogah in fear of death, violence and bodily harm,” and that he “intentionally transmitted a live broadcast containing threats capable of harming the reputation of Comrade Ogah by accusing him of a crime.”



When the matter came up for hearing, Magistrate Sandra Onyibe declined jurisdiction, ruling that the Magistrate Court is not empowered to try offences under the Cybercrimes Act. She ordered that the case file be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.



The case was thereafter adjourned to December 9, 2025, for a report of compliance.



Speaking to journalists, counsel to the complainant, Uchenna Collins Egba, said the arraignment was part of due process.



“Well, it's just a course of justice. If an allegation is made against any defendant, the police must do their job and finally arraign the defendant, just as they have done,” he said.



He explained that although the defendant, Chinagwo Paul Nweke, had been remanded, the court made it clear that it lacked the jurisdiction to try offences under cybercrime laws.



“It is only the High Court—specifically the Federal High Court—that has jurisdiction over cybercrime matters. That is why the Magistrate Court declined jurisdiction. But he still has the right to apply for bail at the High Court,” Egba stated.



He added that the adjournment was to allow the Attorney General’s office to vet the case file and determine the next steps.



“Every two weeks, the case will appear for a report of compliance to know whether the Attorney General has done the needful,” he said.



During the proceedings, defence counsel Cyprine Udu made an oral bail application for his client, but it was opposed by the prosecutor, Eberechukwu Obi.

Press Release

Abuja, Nigeria — November 12, 2025

In a dramatic turn of events, two members of a self-styled group known as the “@FON Attack Dogs” Sunday Ogbonnia (aka Bakassi) and Felix Okemini (aka Jango) widely believed to be loyalists of Governor Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru and reportedly composed largely of individuals from his Izhi clan, have been summoned to the Force Headquarters following a series of public petitions and grave allegations.

Members of the group widely accused in the media of engaging in cult-related and violent activities, recently drew widespread condemnation after allegedly threatening one of Ebonyi State’s most prominent entrepreneurs, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh. The threats the duo claimed followed Dr. Ezeh’s refusal to accept what many described as an ill-timed and ill-intentioned government appointment. In a public statement, the group is said to have declared Dr Ezeh persona non grata, sparking outrage across the state.

This latest move by security agencies has fueled speculation that authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks and hold their enablers accountable, particularly in the South East region of Nigeria.

Dr. Ezeh, who has faced repeated threats, has consistently maintained that the group operates under the encouragement of higher political powers. Emerging reports suggest that Two serving HOR politicians may be among the hidden enablers, allegedly leveraging their influence to shield the self-acclaimed “attack dogs” from accountability.

The unfolding investigation marks a significant moment in the fight against criminality in Ebonyi State and the broader South East, raising hopes that entrenched networks of violence and intimidation may finally be confronted.